Astros Minors: Hooks’ Pitching Returns to Dominance

Pitching and Defense

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Yuhl, Holmes, Minnis, and West were a big loss for the Hooks. Those four combined for a 19-8 record in 26 starts this season with a 3.45 ERA and a 1.257 WHIP.  Yuhl is 2016 innings leader for the Hooks and had been a fixture of the Corpus Christi staff all year. The Hooks pitching staff posted a 4.70 ERA last week and losing more pitching talent meant several of the newer additions to the Hooks pitching corps would have to step up in a big way.

And step up they did. Martes (6.1 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 12 K) and Grills (7.2 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 12 K) led the way, but also impressive were newcomers Trent Thornton and Ryan Thompson. Thornton made his second AA start of the season last Monday, earning his first win. Thornton struck out six batters and allowed seven hits and just one run via a solo home run. His second start of the week was not as wonderful, allowing two more home runs and six earned runs in a losing effort. Ryan Thompson worked three and two-thirds innings in relief, allowing one run on four hits, one walk, and three strikeouts.

Related Story: Corpus Christi Player Spotlight: Ryan Thompson

Cy Sneed bounced back in a big way, allowing just one unearned run in six innings of work on Friday. This was his first start of the year in which he went at least six innings without allowing a run. After a rough July (1-2, 8.25 ERA) Sneed has posted two consecutive quality starts.

***Statistics from MiLB.com and Baseball Reference***